Cardiac compression system

Abstract

The present direct cardiac compression (DCC) design, termed Cardiac Resynchronization Compression Sac System (CRCSS), combines the mechanical and electrical characteristics associated with DCC and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), respectively. The CRCSS comprises a shell, at least one opening on the shell, at least one inflatable balloon, and a pumping system. The shell is custom manufactured to substantially conform to the contour of a portion of a heart, the contour being obtained by an imaging system. The opening on the shell is designed for passing pericardial fluid so as not to impede the myocardial contraction. The inflatable balloon attaches to at least one predetermined location of the inner surface of the shell. Furthermore, the shell naturally positions in the pericardium space without resorting to any artificial force to prevent it from dislodging from the heart. When the inflatable balloon inflates at least one ventricular free wall of the heart is compressed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of PCT patent application serial no. PCT / US2008 / 088620, filed on Dec. 31, 2008, in the name of inventors Pong-Jeu Lu, Pao-Yen Lin, Jiin-Huey Chem Lin, and Chien-Ping Ju, which, in turn, claims the benefit of priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 010,241, filed on Jan. 8, 2008, in the name of inventors Pong-Jeu Lu, Pao-Yen Lin, Jiin-Huey Chern Lin, and Chien-Ping Ju, the entire contents of PCT patent application and U.S. Provisional Patent Application are hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This present invention relates to a cardiac compression system, and more particularly, to a cardiac resynchronization compression sac system.BACKGROUND[0003]I. Direct Cardiac Compression[0004]The concept of Direct Cardiac Compression (DCC) as a modality for circulation support comes from the emergent resuscitation of heart and lung. The most unique advantage of DCC, as com...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present design of the sac is believed to play multiple roles in helping to reverse remodel diseased hearts. By providing mechanical containment during the diastolic period and by exerting bi-ventricular compression, the sac can help to improve the function of the heart and to restore a more healthy state. The sac can also help to normalize the electrical activity of the heart, leading to improved mechanical contractility. The use of the Sac device can effectively reduce myocardial stress and can help to stimulate therapeutic electrophysiologic renormalization which might lead to cellular reverse remodeling for the heart. The device can also reduce or nullify the transmural tension over the epicardial area, which is believed to be the best forcing scenario for stimulating therapeutic electrophysiologic renormalization.

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, hard-fixation methods such as persistent vacuum suction, suture, and epicardial adhesion fixations were discarded because they do not serve the present design objective of long-term application and bridge-to-recovery.

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